Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) is a national anthropology museum located in Bhopal, the capital city of the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh.
It was established in 1985 to promote the diverse cultural heritage of India through the collection, preservation, and dissemination of anthropological artefacts, folk art, and crafts.
The museum is spread over approximately 200 acres and on the Shyamla Hills, overlooking the Upper Lake of Bhopal.
The IGRMS complex consists of several indoor and outdoor galleries and a library, research centre, and conservation laboratory.
The outdoor galleries are designed as a series of tribal and rural habitats, showcasing the lifestyles and traditions of different communities across India.
One of the most distinctive features of the IGRMS is its living exhibits, where visitors can observe artisans and craftsmen demonstrating traditional techniques of weaving, pottery, basket-making, and other folk arts.
The museum also hosts regular cultural events and festivals, such as the annual National Tribal Dance Festival, which showcases the dance and music traditions of tribal communities from all over India.
The museum's indoor galleries are divided into four main sections: Tribal Habitat, Tribal Lifestyle, Tribal Art, and Tribal Religion.
The exhibits in these galleries include various anthropological artefacts, such as weapons, tools, clothing, and jewellery, as well as contemporary art and installations by tribal artists.
The IGRMS also has a strong focus on education and research and offers a variety of programs and resources for students, scholars, and researchers interested in anthropology and cultural studies.
These include a library with a collection of over 50,000 books and manuscripts and a research centre that conducts interdisciplinary studies on various aspects of Indian culture and society.
Places To Visit Near Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya:
The Upper Lake, also known as Bhojtal, is the largest artificial lake in Asia and is located just a few kilometres from the IGRMS. Visitors can enjoy boating, bird-watching, and scenic views of the lake and its surroundings.
Van Vihar National Park:
Located about 5 kilometres from the IGRMS, Van Vihar National Park is a wildlife sanctuary that houses several species of animals and birds, including tigers, lions, leopards, and crocodiles. The park is spread over an area of 445 hectares and also has a botanical garden and a butterfly park.
The Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located about 45 kilometres from Bhopal and is known for its prehistoric cave paintings and rock art. It is a popular destination for archaeology and history enthusiasts.
The Sanchi Stupa, located about 45 kilometres from Bhopal, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient Buddhist architecture and sculptures. It is one of the oldest and most well-preserved stupas in India.
The Bhojpur Temple, located about 28 kilometres from Bhopal, is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is known for its impressive architecture and is believed to have been constructed during the 11th century.
The Taj-ul-Masajid is one of the largest mosques in India and is located in Bhopal, about 7 kilometres from the IGRMS. It is known for its impressive architecture, which includes marble domes, minarets, and intricate carvings.